Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise the important issue of the farm waste management scheme. It is a good scheme and has had a positive impact not only for agriculture but for the environment. People were shocked when they heard that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food could not add the number of farmers who applied for grants under the scheme. The number of applicants went through Teagasc, the farm development service. The Department must have known the number of applicants, given that the number of planning permissions granted throughout the country could have been checked with the county councils. People are shocked, as am I, that the Department underestimated the number of applicants or the money required to cover the payments. However, that is the position and there is nothing we can do about it now.

In the limited time available, I want to impress on the Minister the hardship being experienced by farm families throughout the country and their concerns about farming. They are worried about milk prices falling to as low as 19 cent or 20 cent per litre this year. Farming is changing. The applicants under this scheme have borrowed a large amount of money from banks or other financial institutions. They had to meet high standards that were laid down in respect of these projects, which they did. I stress the worry, fear and the anxiety they are experiencing.

I appreciate the Minister coming into the House to listen to what we have to say. I cannot understand why a Department would underestimate the figures in question to such a degree. The Minister should give us a commitment tonight that these grants will be paid within the time specified. Banks, other financial institutions and, in some cases, contractors who carried out the work are waiting for the payment of this money. I implore the Minister to give us an answer that properly addresses this matter.

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